YOUR FRIENDS' ACTIVITY

    5 Ways to Add Rustic Charm to Your Home

    Turn your home into a cozy mountain getaway or a cozy country cottage with any of these rustic decorating ideas. It's easy to add rustic charm to any room of the house, and finding furniture and accessories that will complement your new décor is as easy as a trip to your local flea market or antique shop. Wrap yourself in comfort and create a warm and cozy atmosphere with any of the ideas listed here.

    Rustic decorating color choices - Go natural!

    Freshen things up with a new color on the walls. There is no easier way to update the look of your home than with a fresh coat of paint, and it's an inexpensive way to add rustic charm. Paint colors that blend well with rustic decorating include those that can be found in nature. These colors are warm and inviting and include shades of sage green, terra cotta, rustic browns, earthy yellows, and vibrant reds. Remember, if adding bold color to the walls intimidates you, you can use simple neutral shades instead, which can then be accented with more exciting colors on fabrics, rugs, and other accessories. Another option for walls in rustic decorating is using light colored paneling or bead board.

    Rustic decorating lighting choices - Be unique

    One of the most unique ways to add rust charm to your home is with subtle surprises peppered between traditional pieces. Lighting provides a great way to do just that, as you can literally set the tone of a room with the light sources you set in place. Replace your standard pendant lights with rustic Mason Jar Pendants, or add a candle chandelier above your dining room table. Makeover your table lamps with new plain paper lampshades or ones that feature silhouettes of deer, moose, or other animals. Add oil lamps and hurricane lamps for a decorative touch. Another popular choice in lighting for rustic decorating is antler-themed lighting, which looks surprisingly chic with this type of decor. Chandeliers, table lamps, wall sconces, and so on, are available in the antler-theme and are a fabulous way to add rustic charm.

    Rustic decorating flooring idea- It's all about the wood

    If your floor is in need of replacement, consider adding reclaimed wood flooring to your home to instantly add rustic charm. These floors are repurposed from wood taken from unique sources such as old barns, wood barrels, churches, factories, and so on. Instead of destroying the wood, it's transformed into wood flooring that is both unique and beautiful. The flooring can be made of oak, pine, hickory, chestnut, and so on, and looks absolutely stunning with any décor, but is especially suitable for use in a rustic home.

    Rustic decorating tip - If your home design isn't rustic, do it yourself

    When you walk into a log cabin or a rustic mountain home, what's one of the first things you see? Likely, it's the wood ceiling beams that hang overhead. These beams make the room feel authentic, and create a cozy atmosphere that makes you want to curl up to the fireplace. Averages homes don't have those gorgeous ceiling beams, but it's something you can install yourself to add rustic charm. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, consider purchasing faux wood beams that can be installed in as little as a day. However, if you truly want to make a statement, purchase ceiling beams made from reclaimed barn beams, church beams and so on. These authentic ceiling beams have been removed from their original source, refinished and repurposed so that they'll last for years.

    Rustic decorating - It's simple with antiques

    Take a trip to your local antique shop or flea market, and you'll quickly see many items that will look beautiful with your new rustic décor. Add an antique dresser to the entryway as a catchall space, or place an old chess board on a side table. Hang an antique sled on the living room wall, or dress up a corner space with an antique wash stand. Homemade quilts, crochet doilies, and knit throw blankets will also help to add rustic charm and a splash of color when thrown over a sofa, chair, or hung on the wall. Aged wood trunks. Antique benches, or scrubbed pine tables are functional pieces that work well with rustic decorating, and provide a spot to store away rarely used items.

    More from Jennifer Wagner:

    Tuscan Decorating Ideas

    Cozy Decorating Tips for Your Home

    12 Quick Decorating Ideas for Any Budget

    SOURCE:

    Personal experience